Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Carolec, I was,advised to keep my arm raised with pillows, this helped reduce the swelling. Mine is still a little swollen after 5 days. I have to return to hospital tomorrow to get it checked. If yours hasn't gone down, I would call the hospital and get it checked out. ... View more

Sorry to hear that Fanta, hope it doesn't spoil your holiday. Keep an eye on it though and get it checked out if you think it could be a clot, don't want to alarm you but it's always safer to get things checked out. Take care x ... View more

Thanks Joyce. You make me laugh and reminded me of when I joined Slimming World and had to hand in my weekly diet sheet and, due  to the amount if points I used on wine, the consultant suggested that perhaps I was in the wrong support group! Cheers Joyce x ... View more

Hi Kelly, was advised not to drink for first 3 days after chemo not that I feel like a drink then. I wouldn't drink in the days leading up to chemo. I did have the odd glass of wine between treatments but nothing like I used to drink and find that as treatment goes on (I've had 3 FEC) don't fancy a drink because of nausea.   Enjoy the festival! ... View more

Hi everyone. What is it about the 3rd FEC? I had mine 2 wks ago and have experienced more severe side effects, nausea, fatigue etc. Perhaps it's the cumulative effect? I've also been unwell as had a thrombosis caused through the PICC line. Info for those with PICC, symptoms were a swollen, purple arm and hand and pain in arm and neck - not very subtle so easy to spot!  Tried to save the PICC as I have thin veins but it had to be removed. I now have to inject blood thinners every day for 3 months, could have been worse, thought I had a dvt in my leg, would have meant injecting every day for 6 months!   Also had a high temp (37.9) led to blood tests which identified low neutrophils (white blood cells) which is an indication of infection so on strong antibiotics which are causing severe nausea. Hoping the levels will improve in time for first Docetaxel next week. Apart from that I'm fine lol!   Hi Moneypenny, just stepping in as I too have an underactive thyroid and on high dose of thyroxin. I'm afraid to have my thyroid levels checked because of my veins. Although my hair was fine, my hairdresser said I had plenty of it. Had it cut into short style before chemo, used cold cap but found it too uncomfortable so didn't use for 2nd and 3rd cycle, lost hair by the handful after 1st chemo then slowed and increased again after 2nd and 3rd, had hair cut very short into a pixie style, still have enough covering to not need to wear my wig or scarves but it won't be long before I need to. As you can see, we all have different experiences and it's very much a personal choice. I'm sure you'll make the decision that's right for you.    Hope everyone has as good a weekend as they can.   Btw, my second granddaughter is being delivered by c-section on Monday. Keeping everything crossed that I manage to stay out of hospital and well enough to meet her on Monday x       ... View more

Hi Sheena, just noticed your post 're: side effects of of radiotherapy. Sorry to hear you're having a tough time. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and sending you my very best wishes along with birthday wishes for your son. Take care x ... View more

Hi ladies, I've not been on the site for a while as I've struggled since my 3rd FEC last Friday so have been catching up on the thread. I've felt like I hit a 'brick wall' over the past few days and thought I knew what fatigue was - I was wrong - I've experienced fatigue like never before. The thought of climbing the stairs just to go to the loo feels like an enormous task.    I see that the dreaded constipation continues to plague us. After days of constipation I've now gone the other way but I'm reluctant to take Loperamide as surely it's healthier to 'get rid'? (apologies for being graphic). Any suggestions?         ... View more

Hi Tartan Tottie, I'm having a BCC forum evening (I lead an exciting life!) and just came across your post.    I'm not the best person to reply as I'm not active, have not been active for a few years, smoke (first time I've admitted that on here but I do plan to stop!) and enjoy a glass or two of red, white and rose wine. I just wanted you to know that like you, I had lumpectomy then surgery for lymph node clearance. I'm half way through my chemo regimen (3 FEC followed by 3 T) and have coped really well to date. So if I can manage, you can too.   I'm sure others, who are more qualified than I, will reply with useful tips for preparation so I'll leave that to them. Also check out the top tips for chemo and don't forget none of us have all the side effects. Good luck x ... View more

Hi Gemma, I forgot to mention about keeping a diary. You may have already read about it in tips for chemo but thought I'd flag it up just in case. It's been invaluable for me not least because it helps me to remember when I took meds (chemo brain!), is an aide memoir for when I meet with my on oncologist and can identify patterns i.e. nausea, fatigue etc.   I did get your msg, I'm going to reply now. Take care, love to you and your mum x ... View more

Hi Fiona, I was where you are now but in April. Everyone on here will agree that it's the waiting that is the most difficult.   I was diagnosed just before my 54th birthday following a routine mammogram, thank goodness and I am also a large lady, well my boobs certainly are (still) as I had a lumpectomy (personal choice). It's difficult I know reading our replies from further down the road to treatment and recovery as you can't imagine being here but you will. Once you know what you are dealing with and have a treatment plan, you will feel less frightened and ready to get rid of the bugger. It's perfectly normal, and healthy, in my opinion to remain positive whilst being terrified, the word cancer alone is bloody scary isn't it and it's a new experience for us all?   You will find a lot of support here and your family and friends will be able to support you once you have all the info you need. They're as much in the dark as you are now and we all were when first diagnosed but you and they will soon learn a whole new language and it will become easier.   Take good care if yourself x     ... View more

Hi Barry, just noticed your posts and wanted to share how my husband dealt with my diagnosis. Of course we were both in shock as my breast cancer was found during a routine mammogram. I tried to stay strong and play it down for the sake of my family. It was frightening to see my family so (naturally) scared for me. It's a fine line between acknowledging my fear but remaining positive and hopeful.   My husband is diabetic and within days of my diagnosis his blood pressure shot up affecting the nerves around his eye resulting in a turn which prevented him from driving so I had to do all the running around preparing for hospital!  On the morning of my operation, he was being treated in the eye clinic in the same hospital -- honestly, you couldn't write it!  Thankfully, a prism sorted his sight so he could drive. My poor husband was and looked distraught, he couldn't think straight, I used to send him out to walk the dog to calm him down. I actually told him that I needed him to be strong for me and that seemed to pull him together. I hope I don't sound harsh but I was worried about his health and I couldn't have our 3 sons worried about us both, that wasn't fair on them.   As others have said, once you know what you are dealing with, you'll have a plan and get answers to all your questions (write them down so you don't forget). To be honest, I've lost loved ones to cancer (not breast) and think that if this is my turn, it's the most treatable one which has had so many advances in recent years and is constantly improving. It sounds as though your wife's cancer has been caught early so she is very likely to have a good recovery. I don't believe that being positive changes the outcome, that's the science / medical bit but I do believe that it's what gets us through this - and a sense of humour! You're both still in shock but that will change once you get results and treatment starts.    Sending you both my best wishes and positive vibes. Take care x   ... View more

Hi, as you know we all have varying degrees of some of the side effects (none of us have them all thank goodness) but I can share my experience and hope it is of some help. I'll try to do it in a logical order:    1) First few days tend to be the worst for nausea. Small meals often help to prevent it, and ginger biscuits help me when I feel nauseous. Take all anti-emetics prescribed and as these cause constipation, as well the obvious fresh fruit etc (liquorice is good ) I recommend Movicol and start taking them before the constipation starts (I learnt from experience!). If sickness is a problem she needs to contact the chemo pager number she will have been given (in Wales we have a Yellow Card that we need to carry with us at all times in the unlikely event we're taken ill whilst out). 2) Water, I can't stress enough how much this helps as others on here will testify. It will help if your mum can drink as much water as she can. It also helps with constipation. 3) The steroids can prevent sleep which is tough when feeling tired. I had to have mine reduced because they caused me to have a hot, red face (like sunburn) but not everyone gets this. I make sure I get up early to take my breakfast steroids so I can take the second dose no later than 12 / 1pm to prevent being awake half the night. 4) Indigestion can be a problem, my oncologist prescribed Omeprazole taken daily, another magic pill ! 4) Mouth soreness and ulcers can be a problem but I've found using mouthwash 3/4 times a day really does help. 5) Re: chemo pager, don't be afraid of using it, I've been 'told off' for not calling! Your mum should have a list of things to look out for - high temperature etc. (the Yellow Card).   I'm sorry if the above sounds a bit clinical but I've included things that I wish I knew when I started chemo.   I remember feeling quite scared after my first chemo, not knowing what to expect and questioning any small change in my body but that got easier. In my experience the nurse is right, your mum should feel better  - for me, I feel a bit yucky and 'spaced out' the first few days, less tired the second week and fine for the third week which is when I plan a treat (meal out, short trip etc). But tiredness and fatigue can come on us unexpectedly and we need to listen to our bodies and rest when we need to. Saying that, I've come across a lot of women on here who walk miles, one even run a half marathon between chemo cycles!    I also had problems with my veins and had a picc line fitted in time for my 3rd chemo yesterday and it was so much easier. Having it fitted didn't hurt at all, it was a simple procedure and apart from wearing a waterproof sleeve in the shower, I forget I have it.   I noticed on your earlier post that your mum isn't using the cold cap. I used it for 1st cycle but found it uncomfortable and haven't used it since and still have a fine (as in thin) covering of hair. I found a fabulous salon, selected a wig then had my shoulder length hair cut into the same style - friends couldn't tell the difference when I sent them photos! My sister and I made a day of it and had lunch in a 'posh' restaurant too. I know your mum says she's not sure about wearing a wig but, if she gets a good one she might feel more confident.  I've also bought funky scarves so feel more prepared.   You are clearly a loving and supportive daughter to both your mum and dad. I understand why you might feel 'useless' but believe me your parents are fortunate to have you. Of course practical help is useful but just being there for them both, as you are, is everything. The support I've received from my family has kept my spirits up (as has humour!). I hope you have someone to lean on too. Please feel free to msg if you ever feel like a chat.   Take care of yourself, wishing your mum all the best x       ... View more

Manicmum, I didn't realise you had a port or that it couldn't be used to take bloods. That's a bummer. At clinic, the health assistant wanted to take blood through my hand and when I refused she said she'd have to get a nurse to do the picc. I did feel as though I was making a fuss but after having the picc fitted I didn't want to end up like a pin cushion with painful and bruised arm, hand and wrist. I hope things settle down for you.   Mazz, my GP prescribed glycerine suppositories when I'd allowed myself to get too constipated, they had immediate effect and were a lifesaver. I now use movicol twice daily whilst taking the anti emetics as my onc said they were the cause of constipation and this usually does the trick. Good luck, I hope you find something that suits you. ... View more

Thank you so much for all of your replies and tips and whilst I'm sorry some of you are experiencing headaches also, it's good to know it isn't just me. I am drinking about 3-4 pints of water a day (well, reduced sugar Ribena) so staying hydrated (and the very occasional wine!) but I will try some of your suggestions, thank you.   I had my chemo through my PICC line today and it was so much easier and quicker. Manicmum, if you're having so much trouble with your veins might you consider asking about having a PICC line fitted? Tbh, I was afraid at the thought of it but it's been fine. After my last chemo which took 3 hrs and left me with a painful hand and arm which is still tender after 3 wks, I'm so glad I did.   Best wishes to everyone x ... View more

Hi ladies, I've been unable to comment on posts in the forum until today and since the website update 're: problems with password log in!   I'm just wondering if anyone is suffering from headaches due to the chemo as I get them daily? I mentioned them to my onc who doesn't think the chemo is causing them but I didn't have them before and I'm sure they're not due to stress.    I also have a very painful scalp, which is different to the headaches - it even hurts to touch my hair. I know someone who said the painful scalp eased once she'd had her head shaved and wondering if anyone else has experience of this? I've lost a lot of hair but still have enough cover so reluctant to shave it yet but would consider shaving it if it would ease the pain. I'm having my 3rd session of FEC tomorrow then 3 sessions of Taxotere.    Thanks in anticipation and best wishes to everyone.     ... View more

Hi Manicmum, I'm sorry you've had a rough couple of days, medically and emotionally. I sometimes think we expect too much of ourselves and try to protect our loved ones from how we're truly feeling but there are times when we have to let our family carry us.   It must be so difficult looking after children and going through this. Please try not to feel guilty about your girls, it's only temporary and on your good days you'll be out and about with them. I remember when my boys were young and I felt the constant pressure to keep them entertained but children are very good at keeping themselves occupied with the simplest of things, and there's nothing wrong with watching DVD's and having a cwtch (Welsh word for cuddle) on the sofa.   I completely understand about not wanting to look like a cancer patient. On my first visit to the Cancer Centre for treatment I told my husband I didn't want to join 'their club' - the other patients. My husband reminded me that I am not a cancer patient as my cancer is gone, I'm just having treatment to prevent it coming back and I'll still be beautiful without hair. I spoilt the moment by replying I don't know how because I wasn't beautiful with a full head of hair lol!  We both burst out laughing and since then I've tried to not think about my hair too much and take each day as it comes. I've also bought new clothes, jewellery and make up and never leave the house without making sure I look, and as a consequence, feel good.   I'm sure you'll feel better about how you look when your mood lifts, and it will, I promise, it's just a blip. Be kind to yourself and let your family help you, it'll help them knowing they're helping you. Xx       ... View more

Congratulations on your clear mammogram, you must feel so relieved. I'm going through chemo (will then have radiotherapy) but it's great to hear good news. Thanks for sharing x ... View more

Hi Joyce, I used cold cap on first chemo but found it so uncomfortable and lost about a third to 50%  of my hair on day 18 that I too decided not to use it for my second chemo. I'm day 13 into my cycle and have not lost any more hair (well, not on my head!). I know it can start to fall out any day but I've tried to prepare as much as I can - had my hair cut short and have a great wig and funky scarves, have been practicing tying them - it's also good exercise for my arm (lymph node clearance) and I'm ready to go to a number 3 shave if needed. A friend of mine lost so much hair after her 1st cycle, she went for a number 3 and looks fabulous - she's given me the confidence to go for it if needed.   I'm sorry you had a bad experience with your first wig but I'm sure you'll feel better with a good wig that looks like you. Good luck tomorrow x ... View more

Hi, I too had very red and hot face, looked like sunburn. Onc said it was a side effect of the steroids, dexamethasone, so reduced the dose by half for my 2nd chemo and gave additional anti-emetic, Emend to top up. I still had slightly red face but nowhere near as bad as before. Good luck with your treatment. ... View more